Bang!
A heavy slap struck the table, making the cups and dishes on it jump and clatter.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Do you take me for some spineless coward who would use his own little brother as bait?"
Uchiha Maki shot his grinning younger brother an angry glare. Though he knew Uchiha No was deliberately provoking him, he still failed to contain his temper and flared up.
"Fine, fine. If you want to go, then go. But take a few more people with you. Since the Cloud Ninja dared to lay hands on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, whoever did it is no weakling. Be careful not to get caught off guard. And Lord Hokage will definitely make a move as well, so don't you go causing trouble."
As he cautioned Uchiha No, he quietly sighed to himself. Uchiha Maki knew they were destined to get involved in this affair, and he wondered how this grand drama would ultimately end.
A flash of excitement crossed Uchiha No's eyes. Restless by nature, he loved this sort of lively assignment most.
After hurriedly agreeing a few times, he ran out as fast as he could to gather manpower.
Whoosh!
After catching his breath, Katsuki stood steadily atop a large tree. Looking up through the densely interwoven branches and leaves, he could see the bright moon hanging in the sky like a white jade plate, its cold radiance reflected in his eyes.
He closed his eyes.
Mind's Eye of the Kagura!
At the edge of the map in his mind, he once again searched for the faint traces Otoha had left behind.
"Eh?!"
With a startled cry, Katsuki's eyes widened. He sensed two weak chakra signatures on the verge of fading away, both terribly familiar.
He immediately gathered his breath and shot